はい
hai
Yes
Also used to show you are listening, so it does not always mean agreement.
ONE CLEAR STEP AT A TIME
Keep the conversation going — beginner Japanese lesson
Understand, respond, and ask for help. Learn three expressions with pronunciation guides, usage notes and a recall check.
Learning goal: recognise three useful expressions, explain their meanings, and recall them in a short check.
Read each phrase and its context. The app provides device-based audio if a Japanese voice is installed. The full written lesson below works without JavaScript.
Practise this lesson →わかりません
wakarimasen
I don't understand
A polite way to say you do not understand or do not know.
もう一度お願いします
mō ichido onegai shimasu
One more time, please
Use this when you would like someone to repeat what they said.
Try to recall the meaning
Read each Japanese phrase before opening its answer. You can also do the three-question interactive check in the lesson workspace.
はい
Yes · Also used to show you are listening, so it does not always mean agreement.
わかりません
I don't understand · A polite way to say you do not understand or do not know.
もう一度お願いします
One more time, please · Use this when you would like someone to repeat what they said.
Your next clear step
Revisit the phrases once without the English meanings. Then continue with Your first café order.
Beginner roadmap · All foundation lessons · Beyond the foundations